Most of the 10,000-member farmers' organization and displaced mill workers in Dacongcogon, Kabankalan still suffer from economic dislocation and poverty problems since the past four years that the Dacongcogon sugar mill failed to operate, a press release from the mill farmers' cooperative said.

There has been an upsurge of active rebel presence in the area, unlike in the past decade where there was socio-economic stability due to the operation of the sugar mill, the press release said.

Despite presidential directives through the Presidential Action Center and a March 17, 2011 Memorandum of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. to pertinent agencies to appropriately act on the request of Dacongcogon for assistance, there has been no positive development in the issue, Rolando Parpa, the coop's board chairperson, said.

Solon files bill mandating release of
retirement benefits in 30 days

MANILA – Retiring officials and employees from the private and government sectors should get their retirement benefits within 30 days from retirement based on House Bill No. 621 proposed by Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara.

Angara expressed concern over the countless experiences of retirees who had to shed sweat, tears and wait for years before enjoying the fruits of their hard work.

HB 621, now under consideration by the House committee on government enterprises and privatization, mandates that the payment of retirement benefits to SSS and GSIS members should be given within a maximum period of 30 days from the date of his or her retirement.

Peso ends at 42.66
against US dollar

MANILA – The Philippine peso strengthened against the US dollar yesterday after the greenback was hurt by, among others, the developments in America's economy.

The local unit gained P0.11 against the dollar after ending the day at P42.66 from day-ago's P42.77 finish.

It started the day better at P42.65 from the previous day's P42.75 level.

It rose to as much as P42.63 but dipped to P42.78.